A good, practical technique and proper posture when playing (back straight - no slouching!) go a long way towards avoiding injury. For the beginner harp player, it is a good idea to find a teacher who can give you some pointers on technique. A good teacher should be able to provide you with a technique that recognizes your physical limitations and avoids bad habits leading to repetitive strain injuries, while still addressing the need to be able to play the harp in an efficient and practical manner.